5 Reasons Why the Buffalo Bills Will Win the AFC East in 2014

Buffalo Bills: 5 Reasons Why They'll Win The AFC East in 2014

Timothy T. Ludwig - USATODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills are the not-so-proud owners of the longest active playoff drought in the NFL at 14 years. But that streak may soon come to an end during the 2014 season, as the Bills are poised to shock the entire league and win the AFC East. That may sound like fantasy to some (most), but here are five reasons why Buffalo will return to the playoffs as the AFC East champions in 2014.

5. New England's Reign of Terror is Coming To An End

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5. New England's Reign of Terror is Coming To An End

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One of these years, New England's age and lack of playmakers around Tom Brady is going to catch up with them, and it could be this year. If that finally happens this year, the AFC East will be wide open, and the Bills have as good a chance as anybody to be the team that can supplant them atop the division.

4. E.J. Manuel Will Stay Healthy

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4. E.J. Manuel Will Stay Healthy

Melina Vastola - USATODAY Sports

Manuel's biggest issue last season was that injuries hindered his development, but the Bills will take steps this year to help keep Manuel protected and avoid a reoccurrence of those injuries. He has the size and all the physical tools to be a viable NFL quarterback. Manuel just needs playing experience, and as long as he stays healthy, he'll get that experience and start to show considerable improvement in his second season.

3. Young Corps of Wide Receivers

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3. Young Corps of Wide Receivers

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The Bills have done a great job of surrounding E.J. Manuel with a talented group of receivers. Last year he had the young trio of Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham, but the addition of Mike Williams and Sammy Watkins gives Buffalo a formidable group of receivers at Manuel's disposal, in addition to having playmaker C.J. Spiller, giving the Bills more than enough weapons to have a high-powered offense.

2. D-Line That Can Pressure the Quarterback

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2. D-Line That Can Pressure the Quarterback

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The Bills have had to change defensive coordinators and the injury to Kiko Alonso is a massive loss, but Buffalo still has a defensive line that can get after the quarterback, which can help make up for deficiencies elsewhere on the defense. If Buffalo can pressure opposing quarterbacks the way they did last year, the defense will put them in position to win games and ultimately win the division.

1. Doug Marrone

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1. Doug Marrone

Kevin Hoffman - USATODAY Sports

The rest of the NFL doesn't know it yet, but hiring Marrone is one of the best decisions the Bills have ever made. In his second year in Buffalo, and his second year working with E.J. Manuel, Marrone will have his team and his quarterback prepared to make a big leap. This will shock the rest of the league, as the Bills win the AFC East under Marrone's leadership and coaching.